Environmental Science Class Calendar - Marking Period 2 - Fall 2009


Here you will find the session numbers, dates, questions of the day, lessons/activities,any papers that I have handed out in class, and what the homework for the day was. Keep in mind that there is also an “Assignment” box in class that contains all of the papers handed out. When you are absent, it is YOUR responsibility to gather any papers or information about the time you were gone from this wiki, the "Assignment" box, and/or by asking a classmate about the lesson. If you are confused, ask a classmate. You are in high school now and are responsible for taking care of yourself. Please come to me as a last resource. I am happy to answer questions, though, once you have what you need and understand what you missed. This is also the place to find any papers that you may have lost.

Session
#

Date
Question of the Day
Lesson/Activities
Handouts
Homework
1
11/6/09
List three words that come to mind when you hear Environmental Science.
Get to know you, Class Procedures and Expectations



Return completed
Student Info/CFF
Laptop Agreement.

2
11/9/09
What's your favorite memory of being in nature?
Finished Mrs. Matthaei's Betting Game (get to know Mrs. Matthaei!) and Levels of Organization within an ecosystem.
Smallest --> largest: Organism, Population, Community, Ecosystem, Biome

We defined and gave examples for each.
Create an email account if you do not already have one. (I recommend gmail.com!)
3
11/10/09
Without your notes, place these in order: biome, organism, community, population and ecosystem.
Levels of Organization and Food Chains/Webs
Please get class notes about Levels of Organization and Food Chains & Webs from a classmate.
none
4
11/11/09
What is the purpose of a food web and how is it different from a food chain?
Food Web Matching Game!
For the Food Web Matching Game:
1. Glossary of Ecosystem/Food Web terms: http://www.bigelow.org/edhab/glossary.html
2. "Fitting Algae into the Food Web" Background information:
external image pdf.png fitting_algae.pdf
3. Directions for the game:
external image pdf.png directions.pdf
4. Trophic Tables (learn about the roles of the organisms in your food web):
external image pdf.png trophic_table.pdf
5. Game board:
external image pdf.png game_board.pdf
6. Clues to help you out:
external image pdf.png clues.pdf
7. Questions to answer:
external image pdf.png missing_link.pdf
Bring a food web to next class. You can find it online or make your own.
5
11/12/09
Explain the transfer of energy between trophic levels.
Food Webs & Biotic/Abiotic Factors
Food Web Practice:
  1. http://www.gould.edu.au/foodwebs/kids_web.htm - work on identifying producers, consumers and decomposers
  2. http://www.harcourtschool.com/activity/food/food_menu.html - place organisms in the correct location in a food web (do all three webs!)
  3. http://www.vtaide.com/png/foodchains.htm - read information about food chains and webs, then click on "create your own web" at the bottom of the page
  4. EXTENSION: Mystery "Who Dun It" - http://www.gould.edu.au/foodwebs/kids_web/mystery01.htm
none
6
11/16/09
Describe, in detail, the difference between biotic and abiotic factors.
Biotic/Abiotic Factors and Mind Map Vocab Project Introduction
Biotic/Abiotic Graphic Organizer:


See the Mind Map Vocab Project page.
(Sign up on www.mindmeister.com!)
Activate your mindmeister account by clicking on the activation link in the email you receive after signing up for www.mindmeister.com.
7
11/17/09
Which biome is PA mostly?
Mind Map Vocab Project
See the Mind Map Vocab Project page.
Continue to update your mind map throughout the entire course.
8
11/18/09
What do you think biodiversity means?
Biodiversity
Based on these two sources:
1. "The Loss of Biodiversity" (audio/text)
2. "Why is Biodiversity Important? Who Cares?" (article)...
If you were having a conversation about Biodiversity, what would you say about the following talking points?
  • What is biodiversity?
  • Threats to biodiversity.
  • Consequences of biodiversity loss.
  • What are "hot spots?"
  • Threatened vs. endangered species
  • *Why is biodiversity important?* (the entire article)

Video (just watch the first 4 minutes): What Kind of World Do We Want?
none

(Update Mind Map)


TEST on MONDAY over Food Webs, Biotic/Abiotic Factors & Biodiversity!!!

9
11/19/09
Why is biodiversity important? Give as many reasons as you can!
Biodiversity
Douglas Fir Tree Simulation Questions:


*If absent, look at these directions for the Douglas Fir Tree Simulation that you missed:
none

(Update Mind Map)

TEST on MONDAY over Food Webs, Biotic/Abiotic Factors & Biodiversity!!!

10
11/20/09
How does climate affect the biodiversity of biomes?
Food Web, Biotic/Abiotic & Biodiversity Review
Test Review:


EXTRAS:
- Good website for studying biodiversity: Importance of Biodiversity and Threats to Biodiversity
- Want more information on Biodiversity? Check out this paper - "Why You Should Care About Biodiversity":

TEST on MONDAY over Food Webs, Biotic/Abiotic Factors & Biodiversity!!!
11
11/23/09
None
TEST 1: Food Web, Biotic/Abiotic Factors & Biodiversity
Please come see me to take the make-up test.
none
12
11/24/09
None
Finish Test and watch Environmental Science-related video
none
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!
13
12/1/09
New Question of the Day Sheet:


What do you think happens over the years to a completely abandoned field?
Ecological Succession, Limiting Factors and Carrying Capacity
In textbook, read pages 172-175. Then, answer questions 1-7 on page 178. See me to check out a textbook if you were absent.

Notes on Limiting Factors and Carrying Capacity:

none
14
12/2/09
How can limiting factors impact an ecosystem? (Give examples to support your answer.)
Cedar Glade Activity
Cedar Glade Activity packet:
none
15
12/3/09
How are the terms limiting factors and carrying capacity related?
Cedar Glade Activity
No new handouts (you will need the packet from yesterday, though).
Finish Cedar Glade packet, graphs and reflection if not done.
16
12/4/09
What was the point of the Cedar Glade Activity? What did you learn?
Discuss Cedar Glade Activity, Easter Island example and Human Population Growth
Check out these two videos learn about what happened on Easter Island with limiting factors (specifically natural resources):
Easter Island Video #1
Easter Island Video #2

Human Population Growth & Earth's Carrying Capacity worksheet:

none (Update Mind Map!)
17
12/7/09
What do you think are the three limiting factors that impact humans the most?
Human Population Growth graphs
Use the Human Population Growth paper from last class.

Population Graphs Powerpoint:

none
(unless Human Population Growth graph and questions are not done)
18
12/8/09
What was the main event that caused the large increase in human population? Name at least 3 specific examples from this event that helped the population grow.
Human Population Growth maps, PGR,
Online Population Estimations & Predictions
Population Maps Powerpoint:


Exploring Population Statistics Worksheet:

Follow the links to complete the assignments #1-3 on the first page.
none (unless you do not finish your observations for #2 and #3 on the Exploring Population Statistics Worksheet)
19
12/9/09
What is the difference between the the world's human population growth and the population growth rate? (Describe with examples.)
Online Population Estimations & Predictions, Population Growth Rate
Use the Exploring Population Statistics Worksheet from last class. Watch the Miniature Earth video (#4) and complete the assignment on the first page. www.miniature-earth.com

Create an account at www.edmodo.com (using your login and password from your mindmeister account). Use the class code that Mrs. Matthaei gives in class for your class period. Complete assignment (read article and respond) within edmodo. If you find that you need the class code again, please email me.
none (unless assignments are not finished in class)
20
12/10/09
What countries do you think have the highest and lowest populations AND growth rates (grow the fastest and slowest)?
Population Growth and Growth Rate by Countries, What Stops Population Growth
1. NationMaster.com - Great website with statistics on any and all countries in the world. Wikipedia's Population Growth and Population Growth Rates by countries.

2. View assignment on www.edmodo.com. You will watch the What Stops Population Growth? video (10 mins) from www.gapminder.org.

Other helpful population websites
- The Population Explosion
- World Population Balance - "Promoting a Sustainable Population"
- How are population estimations calculated? Here are a few resources that might answer some of your questions:
---http://www.census.gov/ipc/www/popwnote.html
---http://www.census.gov/ipc/www/idb/estandproj.php
---Debate Over How to Count the Population
none (unless edmodo assignment is not finished in class)
21
12/11/09
Where (in general) do we see our highest population growth rates? Is this an issue? Why or why not?
Population: Using gapminder for statistics and edmodo for collaborating.
1. Complete your responses from yesterday on www.edmodo.com about the What Stops Population Growth video.
2. (Assignment posted on www.edmodo.com.) Explore www.gapminder.org (GAPMINDER WORLD tab) and create a chart (graph & map) that displays new information about population.
3. Post your link (along with a 2-3 sentence summary of what the chart can show you about population). Explore other students' charts and continue the conversations and great responses, as you did yesterday!
none
22
12/14/09
What are at least two things you have recently learned about other countries?
Population Statistics and Growth Rate
1. Finish linking graph from Gapminder and appropriately respond to others' graphs.
2. Introduce Countries' Population Growth Rate activity. Students were just assigned two countries. Worksheet can be found here:

Mind Map Vocab Checkpoint: THURSDAY

Limiting Factors and Population TEST: FRIDAY
23
12/15/09
New Question of the Day Sheet:


What are the three factors that affect population size?
Countries' Population Growth Rate
Students begin Countries' Population Growth Rate activity. The worksheet was handed out yesterday (12/14) and the directions for the activity can be found in this powerpoint:




Check out the CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE going on from Dec. 7th-18th!!!
http://en.cop15.dk/
Watch some LIVE webcasts from the conference! http://webcast.cop15.dk/
Mind Map Vocab Checkpoint: THURSDAY

Limiting Factors and Population TEST: FRIDAY
24
12/16/09
What do you know about Ecological Succession?
Countries' Population Growth Rate
Finish Countries' Population Growth Rate Activity.

Read about China's One Child Policy & the World Population Prediction:



Dig deeper into Ecological Succession:


Mind Map Vocab Checkpoint: TOMORROW

Limiting Factors and Population TEST: FRIDAY
25
12/17/09
Why does it matter if some countries grow fast and others grow more slowly?
Ecological Succession, Articles, Mind Map Vocab Checkpoint & Test 2 Review
Finish discussing Ecological Succession and the population articles.

Check Mind Map Vocab projects: add mrsmatthaei@gmail.com as a collaborator (2nd period only: add mrssullivanscience@gmail.com). Check off all words that you have included so far on your mind map and answer questions:


Test review:

Limiting Factors and Population TEST: TOMORROW
26
12/18/09
What do you believe the future holds for our human population? (What will happen/what will we do?)
Limiting Factors and Population
1. Limiting Factors and Population TEST - See me for make-up test!

2. NatGeo's Aftermath: Population Zero - read Overview, view videos if you'd like, then launch the Interactive to experience the aftermath!!!


CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE '09 - Copenhagen, Denmark

none
27
12/21/09
Of all of the issues on Earth, which do you think is the most pressing for humans? Why?
Water Pollution
On www.edmodo.com, find the posted assignment called "Water Pollution Exploration!" and download the attached document to complete the activity. When you "turn-in" assignment, make sure to attached your completed document.
none
28
12/22/09
Which continent has the most water issues and which continents are using the most solutions? Why/How?
Water Pollution
Finish and turn in "Water Pollution Exploration!" assignment on www.edmodo.com.
none
29
12/23/09
none!
Video
Environmental Science related video!
none

Have a Safe and Happy Holiday!!!
30
1/4/10
Where do you think the majority of Earth's water is located? What about Earth's freshwater?
Water Pollution
Earth's Water Distribution Demonstration (look at water pollution packet)
View this for Water Pollution slides and video: to help fill out the following Water Pollution packet:
none
31
1/5/10
Explain Earth's water situation in detail.
Water Pollution
Textbook: # Read pages 10-11. Answer questions #1-5 on page 13.
  1. Read pages 23-25. Answer questions #5 and 7-9 on page 26.
  2. Read pages 27-29 (stop before Watershed Quality). Describe how these human activities negatively affect wetlands:
    1. Agriculture
    2. Urbanization
    3. Construction
    4. Mining
    5. Industry
    6. Waste Disposal
  3. Extension (optional): Visit this website on the Hudson River Plume.
Finish textbook assignment. (See me to check out a textbook.)
32
1/6/10
What watershed are we in? What are some differences between watersheds and wetlands?
Water Pollution
  1. Read:
  2. Visit: www.protectingwater.com
  3. Fill out using reading and website:
Finish point source vs. non-point source graphic organizer.
33
1/7/10
Explain the difference between point source and non-point source water pollution.
Water Pollution
Notes:

The River of Shame Activity
none
34
1/8/10
How can you personally decrease your contribution to water pollution?
Water Pollution
The River of Shame Activity
Final company plans need to be complete. (Except for pds 2 & 3.)
35
1/11/10
What examples of water pollution have you noticed the most around Quakertown?
Water Pollution
The River of Shame Activity
Mind Map Vocab DUE Friday
36
1/12/10
What has the River of Shame Activity made you think about?
Water Pollution
1.The River of Shame Activity/Assessment (see me for your assessment!)
2. Mind Map Vocab
3. Find out your Ecological Footprint!
4. Article
Mind Map Vocab DUE Friday
37
1/13/10
What do you think sustainability means? (Without using the word "sustain" in your explanation!)
MOY
1. Middle of the Year Exam (see me!)
2. Find out your Ecological Footprint!
3. Article
Mind Map Vocab DUE Friday
38
1/14/10
What are natural resources and what's the difference between renewable and nonrenewable?
Natural Resources & Final Project
Natural Resources; Final Project - Explanation and Part 1: The List


Mind Map Vocab DUE Tomorrow
39
1/15/10
What three natural resources do you think you use the most in your everyday life?
Final Project
Mind Map Vocab DUE today!

Final Project - Part 1: The List
Final Project - Part 1: The List should be completed
40
1/19/10
Mrs. Matthaei's Birthday!
What is one way that you reduce, reuse, or recycle at home?
Final Project
Final Project - Part 2: The Eco-Web



none (work on Part 1 & 2)
41
1/20/10
Academically, what will stick with you the most from this class?
Final Project
Final Project - Part 2: The Eco-Web (work day - you MUST bring your project to work on!)
none (work on Part 2)
42
1/21/10
What do you wish we would have covered in this class but didn't?
Final Project
Final Project - Part 2: The Eco-Web (work day - you MUST bring your project to work on!) THIS IS YOUR LAST DAY TO WORK IN CLASS ON YOUR FINAL PROJECT!!!
PART 1 & PART 2 MUST BE DONE!
43
1/22/10
What did you like the most about this class? (turn in sheet)
Final Project
Part 3: The Gallery & Personal Action Plan
none
44
1/25/10
NONE
Final Project & Class Wrap-Up

Goodbye MP2 classes....it's been so much fun! I'll miss you!!!




CHECK OUT THIS AMAZING VIDEO ON HUMANS' IMPACT ON EARTH!!! (It's 1 1/2 hours.)
"The Home Project"

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